Team Canada let rip for three goals in two minutes mid way through the
second period, and rode the crest of that wave to a 4-2 victory over
Finland (represented by Jokerit). Canada is now 2-0 in the 2003
Spengler Cup tournament. Going back to last year's 5-0 run on the way
to a championship, Canada is perfect in it's last seven games at the
tournament.

Things started slowly for Canada in as they suffered the consequences
of tight officiating and a lack of discipline, taking a total of six
minor penalties in the opening period.

“You've got to watch yourself with a strict ref like that,” said
Canadian forward Hnat Domenichelli. “You can't afford to take
penalties like we were in the first period. Maybe in a long season,
but in a sort tournament like this, with just five games, you have to
watch yourself.”

The Finns only managed one power play goal as Jukka Hartunen beat
Canadian net minder Wade Flaherty (120 NHL GP) at 19:47 of the first
period. It was about the only negative in a great first period for
Flaherty, who was making his first ever start for Canada.

“It was awesome,” said Flaherty. “It was right up there for me with
my first game in the NHL. It's really special anytime you get to put
the Canadian crest on. I was a little nervous. I didn't see much
there for the first three or four minutes. But then I got to handle
the puck a little more and got comfortable.”

Canada clicked into a more controlled style of play in the second
period and were finally rewarded at 11:46 when Stacey Roest (224 NHL
GP) tied the game at 1-1. Mike Craig (423 NHL GP) scored for Canada 46
seconds later to put Canada up 2-1. The Finns were then flattened by
another Canadian goal at 13:46 when defenceman Mark Popovic (Anaheim
35th overall pick in 2001) picked the top corner on a shot from just
inside the Finnish blue line. Olli Malmivaara got one back for Finland
with a minute to go in the second period to make it 3-2 Canada after
two.

The clinching goal for Canada was scored by Hnat Domenichelli 267 NHL
GP) at 6:06 of the final period when he walked in on a breakaway and
tucked it between the legs of Finnish net minder Pasi Hakkinen.
“I think we improved from yesterday, and I think we'll be better
tomorrow,” said Domenichelli.

Canada has a tight turn around. Following a night game, they will
face Russia (represented by Jaroslavl) in an afternoon game on Monday.